PHOTOS: Taoreed Lagbaja assumes office as Nigeria’s 23rd army chief

Taoreed Lagbaja, a major general, has assumed office as Nigeria’s 23rd chief of army staff (COAS).

Lagbaja was among the service chiefs recently appointed by President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement on Friday, Oyema Nwachukwu, army’s director of public relations, quoted Lagbaja as saying that he would work to engender positive change and “make a difference in a shared vision towards the fulfilment of the constitutional responsibilities of the Nigerian army”.

Nwachukwu said the new army chief pledged to serve the country with diligence and uphold the values of the army.

The army spokesperson said Faruk Yahaya, the immediate former chief of army staff, commended personnel of the Nigerian army for their commitment and dedication to duty.

“The immediate past COAS Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya pointed out that he assumed command of the army at a period when it was critical to sustain the onslaught against the adversaries in a security environment that was volatile, uncertain and complex,” he said.

“He expressed satisfaction that he was leaving behind an army that can confront any adversary. He urged the army personnel to extend the same support he enjoyed to his successor.”